Page 13 of Secrets & Curses of Fate

“Like I said, I was busy.”

“Liar.” He called me out immediately. “Tell me the truth.”

I sighed and put my hands on my hips.

“Are you always so damn difficult?” I asked. Haden nodded, but I did not back down with his intense gaze. “You scare me.”

He looked at me, surprised, then stepped backward to give me space.

“I don’t think you will harm me, Haden,” I said quickly. “I am scared about this whole thing happening between us. Don’t you think it’s odd?”

“Not at all.” He shook his head.

“Well, maybe that is part of the problem. You are just letting us be reckless.” I accused him purely because I needed someone to blame.

“There is nothing reckless about this, Ardella. Why are you really trying to downplay this?” He smiled brightly, his feelings almost radiating from him, and my stomach fluttered at how perfect he was. “You told me I could kiss you, so technically you are the reckless one.”

I felt my cheeks heat immediately as he laughed. Gods, I liked that noise. Was there anything about him that I didn't like? My gaze traced over him, looking for anything.

“You like what you see?” He stepped forward. “Do you think of me like I think of you?”

I swallowed hard and nodded.

“I do, and that is the problem,” I said in a defeated tone. His eyebrows shot up into his dark blonde hair.

“Why do you look so surprised by that?” he asked.

“Because we don’t know each other at all. This is moving too fast.”

Haden stepped closer to me, so we were a foot apart. “Do you always lie this much?” he asked in a breathy tone.

He called my bluff. His head tilted to the side, amused by my sudden flustered state. “Something that feels like this can’t be… rushed, especially if it feels like fate. It will happen as it is meant to happen.”

His words made me pause. Gods, he sounded as if he thought I was his mate. But fae didn’t get fated mates often. It usually only happened for gods and very powerful elite fae or witches.

“Fine,” I sighed. “I am scared by how much I feel for you, and it scares me that I do not think it is happening too quickly.”

Haden reached out for me, his hand rubbing the side of my face. How did he do this, act like we had been doing this for years? His thumb rubbed back and forth on my cheek.

“You’re so pretty when you’re flustered.” His words immediately made my eyes close so I could soak it in. “I will keep in mind that you like me telling you how pretty you are.”

I opened my eyes, and they flashed white with overwhelming emotions. Haden bit his lip to stifle back a smile. He was a damn tease.

“Do you flirt with everyone?” I asked. Instantly jealousy bloomed in my chest at the thought of him flirting with another woman. Fuck, this is how my mating bond was supposed to work with Holden.

“No.” He smiled. “Only you get my flirting, Ardella.”

“Good,” I said before I shut my mouth. I was worried that I was going to say things that were too personal. Haden's eyes practically shined with his happiness. My chest ached with longing for him. I liked that I made him happy. Haden ran his hand through his hair before glancing over his shoulder like someone would be standing there. His smile was contagious when he turned back to me.

“Are you busy right now?”

“No.” I was desperate to spend time with him. His eyes softened as he held out his hand, and I took it immediately. He walked up the path of the village. The fae in town stared at us, probably wondering who the hell I was. Haden stopped at a small vendor that was selling some sort of pastry. It smelled delicious. The two women behind the stand smiled at him, but when they saw him holding onto my hand, both of their smiles fell. I squeezed his hand tighter, and he looked over his shoulder, smiling at me.

“Haden,” one of them purred, completely ignoring me. “We’ve missed you. It’s been weeks.”

He gave her a tight smile.

“I’ve been busy. I’ll take two of my regular.” He looked over at me. “Do you prefer strawberry or blueberry?”

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